Bhubaneswar, August 30: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities to the youth, stressing that their active participation is crucial for national development.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of SC/ST Welfare Committees in Bhubaneswar, Birla said parliamentary and legislative committees are playing an increasingly significant role in protecting democratic values and ensuring accountability.
He noted that both central and state governments have made substantial budgetary provisions for SC and ST welfare, and it is the responsibility of committees to ensure that these funds directly benefit the intended communities. “Parliamentary committees are above party lines. Their role is expanding as we witness a decline in quality debate and conduct in legislative houses,” he remarked.
Birla also suggested that state assemblies form dedicated panels to monitor SC/ST welfare schemes so that benefits effectively reach grassroots communities.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh described the conference as a “living example of cooperative federalism,” highlighting that leaders rose above political divides to deliberate on welfare issues. He added that this was the first time the conference had been organized outside Delhi.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhapati said SC and ST communities are integral to India’s cultural and social identity and stressed that committees must hold governments accountable to ensure welfare schemes reach the last mile.
Union Minister Jual Oram pointed to initiatives like PM Janman and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which aim to benefit over five crore tribal citizens. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) is expanding opportunities for SC/ST students.
Faggan Singh Kulaste, Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs, along with Odisha ministers, also participated in the event.
The conference, centered on the theme “Role of Parliamentary and Legislative Committees,” focused on strengthening constitutional safeguards, reviewing welfare schemes, and evolving new strategies for inclusive growth. Delegates emphasized that effective scrutiny of budgets and implementation of policies is vital to ensure that welfare measures achieve their goals and contribute to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
